State Correctional Officer To Make First Court Appearance

A state correctional officer is behind bars, after deputies say he tried to kill another correctional officer Tuesday morning.

James Bell was charged with attempted first degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. He's in the Northampton County jail on a $275,000 bond. He is scheduled for a first court appearance Thursday.

Deputies say Bell and Ronald Vaughn both work at the Odom Correctional Institution in Jackson and after the two got off work at around 6:10 a.m. they had words in the parking lot.

The disagreement continued at a nearby store where deputies say Bell stabbed Vaughn in the chest, neck and arms. He was taken to Vidant Medical Center for surgery.

Deputies say Bell claimed self defense, but also admitted stabbing the other officer.

The Department of Public Safety says Bell has been with the prison system for about a year, while Vaughn has worked for the state since 1987.

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